While we are making connections, April is also Child Abuse Prevention Month[5]. This is always a relevant connection as sexual violence starts young. According to NISVS[6], most female victims of completed rape experienced their first rape before the age of 25 and almost half experienced their first completed rape before age 18. Over one-quarter of male victims of completed rape experienced their first rape at or before the age of 10 (Black, et al., 2011[6]). This year, it’s even more fitting as the theme of the SAAM 2013 campaign is healthy childhood sexual development[7]. The tagline “Talk early, talk often” demonstrates how adults can be partners in preventing child sexual abuse, and the involvement of adults is key to all child abuse prevention. The SAAM 2013 campaign resources are great tools in inspire this conversation, including our latest video.

April really is an eventful month, and there are infinite ways to connect the dots between related causes and projects or highlight activities that support sexual violence prevention. From Earth Day to National Poetry Month[8], let’s get creative in how we share, celebrate and participate in SAAM. (Spring into action, anyone!?)

For National Crime Victim’s Rights Week[13] (April 21-27) join us in promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme is “New challenges, new solutions,” and I love how this speaks to the innovation necessary in moving our work forward[14].

What are we missing? Let us know about April or upcoming projects/campaigns that connect to sexual violence prevention.